Waterfront Drive

In the spring of 1999 a volunteer Waterfront Committee, chaired by Mike Scatliff, was formed to investigate the potential of developing a scenic drive along the river in the historic Exchange District. The group formed a compelling argument for the development of the waterfront, based on increasing land values and potential economic development and supported by a feasibility report, creating cause for a new urban renewal project.

Scatliff + Miller + Murray (SMM) was hired to create a new vision for this downtown waterfront that would stimulate new commercial, office and residential development. In the spring of 2001 the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture Development Corporation moved forward to create Waterfront Drive. This street was designed to act as a focal point for new development, the re-emergence of the Exchange District and to present a positive image for our City.

Along with the design of the new Waterfront Park and Drive, SMM completed a management plan for the East Exchange District, including an inventory and analysis of the existing conditions of the area to be impacted by the development community to develop intent-based Architectural Guidelines for new development to encourage and enhance the character of the Exchange District National Historic site. These guidelines promoted excellence over heritage reinterpretation as well as the inclusion of public art as part of improving the richness of the urban environment.